Over the Years I enjoy shopping at this place, each time is educational visit, I get what I wanted and I discover new items always. Great options for tea, spices, etc. pre made ready to eat samosas are must try ! They changed samosas maker and better ! Don't forget to ask two different sauces are available for samosas. read more

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I like the convenience of this place and the prices aren't too crazy compared to other Indian stores. What I don't like is that they don't open on time. Twice over waited for them to open at 11:30 AM and no one is there! Today I waited till 12:03 and then just left. Opening on time just seems like a basic thing businesses should be able to do. read more

Such a disappointment. Since it's super close to my house, I'd really wanted it to work for me. Exorbitantly priced daily items (compared to other Indian groceries), expired products, curt service. I'd rather travel further out for my daily needs than visit this place again. Stay away from the cooked snacks they sell (the ones in the front counter). They were super stale. read more

I come to this cool little cramped store every time I am close to Coolidge Corner. It is jam packed full of all kinds of Indian staples. Things like spices, lentils, dried and canned foods, rice, videos and CD's. I tend to favor the huge variety of Indian cooking pastes and chutneys. The store is long and narrow, and very crowed. The family that runs it is very nice and they also have a hot case up front that has yummy foods to go. read more

So happy I discovered this market in the neighborhood! Needed fresh curry leaves, coconut milk, and basmati rice. Can't wait to come back for more spices and treats! read more

I shopped here because I was in a pinch. The store is a mess, products are covered in dust and most are very close to their expiration date. But I needed a few items urgently. While I was there, I saw a 5-lb bag of Basmati rice and on impulse decided to buy it. I took it home and didn't open it until a few days after purchase. When I opened the bag it was crawling with ants. I took it back and the lady was rude, refused to take the bag back or offer a refund. I asked her to take a look at the contents of the bag and she dismissed me with "I don't need to see anything." Bad service, bad products. I see no reason to go back. Please avoid this place. read more

I'm so glad I found this place. I came here for fresh curry leaves, which can be hard to find. They have a ton of spices.

So in a quest to eat a more plant based diet, I got a South Indian Vegetarian cookbook that had been well reviewed. Even though in English, it was full of recipes from South Indian home cooking and aimed at someone a little more familiar with South Indian ingredients than I. At Madras Masala, I was greeted and asked if I needed help finding anything. It would have made the process much more efficient if I has confessed my motives right there, but in true guys-don't-ask-for-directions style, I said no. I told myself its because I wanted a chance to see what the store offered, though it was probably more pride hoping that I could hide my noob-itude. Turns out that finding ingredients is much trickier than I thought. Because India has so many different language groups, food items have different names depending on where the food was packaged. Lentils are sometimes called dal and sometimes called gram. As a beginner faced with more types of lentils than I thought existed, I started to doubt whether the bag of red colored lentils was what was called for in the recipe. Eventually I caved in an asked the husband for help with a couple of ingredients. I took all my selections up front and this is where the magic happens. The wife is ringing up my purchases and gets to package of yellow mustard seed. She looks at my whitie-whiteness and my other purchases and asks "Is this for Indian cooking or some other cooking?" I hem and haw trying not to blow my cover and she finally asks "what are you making?" This is where I should have started. I tell her that I am trying to make sambar and she says "You want brown mustard seeds for Indian cooking. Oh and you don't want these lentils, they are going to be watery. Here let me get you a different type of lentil." Who knew that a family that owns an Indian food store would know about Indian cooking? I am eternally grateful that they went out on a limb to help me out. This type of service is what makes a small business invaluable. Thank you Madras Masala. read more

My mission for the summer? Stop spending so gosh-darn much on delivery and learn to cook decent Indian food at home. Madras Masala is pretty much my sidekick in this quest, being that I'm pretty sure they're the only easily accessible Indian grocery in Brookline, but, more importantly, this place is just plain awesome. They've got pretty much every spice that you ever found in an ingredient list and thought, "Aw man, there's NO way I have that," and what's more, they've got 'em ground and whole in big bags. You want paneer? They've got paneer. Need to mix it up a little bit and make pad thai but you've got no idea where to buy tamarind concentrate? Protip: Madras Masala's got it. Fiending for some Bollywood VHS tapes? If that's your bag, go nuts, but I'm here for the food. Struck by a hunger for something from the sub-continent while checking out and can't wait to get home and cook? They've got samosas for sale at the counter. For the WIN. The one caveat is that there's a $10 card minimum, so going in to buy just one or two ingredients with no cash isn't really feasible, but as long as they've got bags of gulab jamun mix for when I need a quick rosewater dessert fix, I'm pretty sure I can spend ten bucks here without trying. read more

This place is a joy. I cook a LOT and I go through a LOT of spices. Spices can be quite expensive, but now I don't have to worry about my bank account and I can do what I like doing best: cooking awesome food at home. The owners of this store are really sweet and helpful as you try to navigate the shop. It's nice to see a family run place, and I'm definitely happy to support them. I honestly wish I'd been in here sooner, as I've lived in the neighborhood for 5 years and it's always been one of those "I need to check that place out soon" kind of places. Well, I finally did, and I'm happy I did. They have an impressive selection of spices, beans, rice, and canned food. I was dying to make my own mustard and couldn't find black or brown mustard seed anywhere... and they had both of them in HUUUGE bags. I've now made mustard for friends and family with plenty of seeds to spare for cooking. This is also my go-to spot for lentils. The prices are reasonable and they even have samosas more often than not at the register, and they're just as good as they smell. read more

We've been going to this store for at least 10 years and love it. They have always been super friendly and helpful. The wife will even give you some cooking ideas with ingredients. And their prepared foods are wonderful. I have nothing negative to say about this place. Any indian ingredients you are looking for, this is the place to go. read more

This tiny shop has Indian cultural goods crammed inside of it as tightly as possible. It carries videos to rent in Hindi and Tamilnadu, polychrome religious icons, an array of dried and canned Indian foods and spices, Indian shampoo and toothpaste, and a little buffet of fresh food to go. And it smells really great. It was a real pleasure to browse and the prices were very reasonable. If you're wandering around Coolidge Corner, it is definitely worth checking this place out. read more

Great place to get the hard-to find Indian staples like strange spices and paneer cheese. (Ever make mattar or saag paneer -- it's super easy when you can get the cheese!) Also, this is the epitomy of a family store. There's the dad or the mom running things and usually a kid or two in the front working on a coloring book. So you get the extra bonus of feeling warm and fuzzy because you're supporting a local, family-owned store. read more

Surprised but glad that this place has 4.5 stars. It has a really, really great selection, at generally very reasonable prices. You can find all kinds of things here. I was looking for a pomegranate molasses to make a Turkish dish, and lo, Madras Masala had it. They have a great selection of rice and spices and chutneys too. The service is also really great. I never feel bothered or awkward when I come in, but it's very clear that if I need help there are people there to help me. The people who work there also seem to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the store, so if you can't find something it's wise to just ask. Plus they have snacks!! Indian snacks!! How great is that! I'm docking a star for two reasons. First, the snacks do not taste super fresh and crispy; if they did, then this would be a five star review. They are good, just not the most wonderful. Second, prices could be a bit more competitive; I think rice is cheaper at Trader Joe's for example. I don't feel totally right making that comparison, but there it is. read more

Went here today, prices are nearly double than what you pay at patel or other indian stores. Naan packet which is 2.5$ at patels was 3.99$ , and so was the masala powders. Some products were even more than double the price. Selection is not wide . 2 stars because there is no other indian store closeby. read more

Hooray for Madras Masala! Just about anything you would want for Indian cookery is stuffed into this little store, and the owners are happy to help if you ask.. like the time I came in for tamarind paste and KNEW it had to be there, but couldn't find it after browsing the shelves (and yes, they had it). I generally use a lot of spices in my cooking, and was so glad to find this place after paying far too much for spices at Whole Foods and Star Market (and the nearby Trader Joes, though I love it, has a pathetic selection of spices). So even if you don't do a lot of Indian cooking, maybe you'll want to make a trip in for a giant bag of cinnamon sticks or chili powder. And yes, the owners' little girl is very cute. She was the one who greeted me the last time I came in- learning from her parents, I see. : ) read more

Nice, tiny store with hard-to-find Indian spices and goods! The man working was helpful, but stony and cold and not all that friendly. His daughter was watching the Jungle Book (!) and coloring pages near the cashier...very cute mom-and-pop store. Some pointers: - Most of the spices they have (turmeric, garam masala, etc) come in huge bags priced around $6. A good price for the quantity, but I like buying spices in smaller bags since I would never get around to finishing them if I bought bigger. - They have a decent selection of pastes and chutneys. Some of them are directly from India, some of them are sold at Stop & Shop for cheaper, so beware. - $10 credit card minimum. read more

Unfortunately I picked up a tea box that expired two years ago. Instead of giving me a refund they said I could exchange "because I didn't want it". No sign of remorse or understanding that they had an entire two years to throw it out. I don't feel comfortable consuming food there, and sad that I will have to now go out of my way for a more sanitary source....I hope they learn from this. read more

I really like this little Indian grocery store. The staff/owners have been pleasant and helpful when I have had questions. Frozen, refrigerated items and spices, rices etc. Not a lot of veggies but some basics. read more

1) Good south Indian menu options. 2) I would rate food taste 3 stars vs authentic indian cuisine but for New England standards, I would rate 4 stars 3) very courteous staff read more

I'm definitely a fan! There are other Indian grocery stores with more variety like the one in Central square, but I live closest to this one and it takes care of me. If I need a spice, chances are they have it. Once I came in with a list and I had the Indian name of a spice blend I was looking for and the lady behind the counter offered help when I stood there staring at the spices forever. Turns out the spice blend was labeled with a different name. Point being, she was helpful and friendly (if maybe a little confused to see a white girl buying bulk amounts of Indian spices). read more

Great little store to get your essentials for Indian cooking. A micro version of Shalimar (sp) in Central Sq but it works for me in my hood! I just don't understand how I missed this place for the past year! read more

Great flavorful dishes, the basmati rice was prepared perfectly, and the complementary poti with dips were tasty. The only that detracted from the experience was the Baliwood music videos playing in the background. I would preferred something more from the native culture. All in all though, a very good place to eat. read more

This is a cute little shop with a lot of selection of spices and rice for its size. I think the biggest benefit of this shop is that the owners/shopkeepers are extremely friendly and if you need help finding a spice they are on it. You will not get this customer service experience at stores like Patel Bros who are extremely rude/non-helpful. However, if you are a normal shopper at Patel Bros be advised that this shop does not have the selection of produce that those stores may have. However, they have the staples and do have curry leaves which seem pretty hard to find at other stores. Give it a shot - they are really nice and great people! read more

This little gem is not a posh store by any means but on the shelves you will find a wide variety of Indian spices at very reasonable prices. The owners are very knowledgeable and help you pick what you need for home cooked Indian food. Sure go ahead and check expiration dates before you buy but most of these items last for ages read more

Poorly run small business. Never open when they should be. Never pick up the phone. Unfortunately, not too many other options around here and that's probably the only reason they manage to stay in business. read more

When I moved from Somerville to JP I mourned crossing the river from Christina's and Guru's, but today I found my new local Indian shop, complete with various essential ingredients AND hot prepared foods! I was also pleasantly surprised to find fresh curry leaves, asafoetida in it's rare resinous form, and a wide variety of dhals. I also enjoyed conversing with the shop owner about his experiences trying to cultivate curry, citrus, and other tropical cooking plants in our northern New England climate. read more

Gave me wheat flour that had an expiry date several months ago. Were not willing to take it back and issue a refund. Astonished when the person said it was my fault that I had picked it up!! Outright disgraceful read more

I love that they have groceries such as Gulab Jamon. I got some for a party and they were delicious. The variety of spices, sauces, teas and food is great. They have also the most beautifully scented soap in the World, the Mysore Santal soap, alheña for hair, and creams. The lady is very kind, also. read more

The woman in the counter is not very courteous and tries to rip you any opportunity she gets. I felt really uncomfortable and surprised the other day when she asked me to pay extra for a tablespoon of sauce that is supposed to come with the samosas I had bought. I mean, I buy a lot of indian foods myself and never have any place asked me to pay more for some sauce that is supposed to come with the dish itself. I didn't know what to say haha. Learn some business etiquette to retain some customers!!! read more

I can tell from the reviews that this is a favored neighborhood store. But it can be better. The area in the back of the store with the sink is really dirty. I hope they don't prepare there the food they sell. Everything is about 50-75% overpriced compared to other Indian Stores in the Boston area. I did not find the store crew friendly or even helpful. I suppose this scenario comes with having a captive market. read more

Tuesday night and again Wednesday afternoon, we needed a couple of unique ingredients, not sold at TJ, and much to our surprise, they had both things available at pretty fair prices. The star anise was to be used as part of our dry brine for the Thanksgiving turkey, and the rose water was to be included in a Pistachio and Rose Water Pannacatta. When I called the shop to find out if they had the star anise, it was 11 minutes prior to closing, and the gentleman who answered the phone could not have been nicer nor more willing to keep his store open until we arrived and found what we required, knowing it would only be a $5 purchase. We never felt rushed, and the bag of star anise pods was actually quite large, considering that this is a small, privately owned business in a really expensive rent district. The very next day, Thanksgiving Eve, after calling about the bottled Rose Water for a dessert our daughter wanted to make for friends and family, the helpful woman who also runs the place was quick to explain that they did have the product for $5 too, but that it would definitely go a long way when baking, since most dessert recipes, such as the Panacatta one, simply do not call for that much of it. It is now Thanksgiving Day, and thanks to finding these specialty items here, we were able to brine our turkey differently, and bring an interesting dessert when we visit some people later today. This shop might very well be on the small side, but it's packed with everything you'll need to prepare that new recipe, not to mention, the place smells great, due to their prepared foods which are sold at a reasonable price! Next time we stop in, we will make sure to review the appetizers as well. read more

I visited this store based on the reviews but I would not refrain from saying that it is the worst Indian store I have been to since my 3 years of staying in different cities in the States. If this is your only option, please make sure that you check the expiration dates before you buy any items. I normally don't check the expiration dates but when I was buying some ready to eats, I noticed that they had expired some 4 months ago. Even for some other items , the expiration date had been reached/fast approaching/not mentioned on the packet. After all this, when I went to buy basmati rice, I noticed that the price for a 10 lb packet was a whooping $26 whereas, normally you can get good basmati rice at $14-18. This store is pricey, sells cheap quality, expired products and is definitely not worth visiting. My review comes as a warning to fellow yelpers to go somewhere else as it's not worth it. read more